The deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, Ian Ward, said: “We are aware of the comments coming from Durban. Here in Birmingham, we are producing a feasibility study on what would be needed for a 2026 games in the city.
“That is due to be completed in April, at which point we will be in a position to decide what we want to do.”
Birmingham may ultimately be forced in going head to head with Liverpool, with the CGF unlikely to stage back-to-back Games in the same country.
Edmonton is unlikely to answer any SOS, having pulled out of the race for 2022 two years ago over budgetary concerns, even though it, too, is eyeing a bid for the 2026 event.